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The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of ‘Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001’. Any personal information collected for the Reimagining Neighbourhoods Project will be used to update the public on information related to the project. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors for the purpose of updated communications related to the project. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to Mallory Smith, Planner, Planning and Economic Development, 71 Main Street West, (905) 546-2424 Ext.1249, Mallory.smith@hamilton.ca.
Reimagining Neighbourhoods
Reimagining Neighbourhoods is about providing housing choice and more affordable housing options for the residents of Hamilton.
The City of Hamilton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 05-200 came into effect on May 25, 2005, and is being implemented in stages. This Zoning By-law applies to the entire City of Hamilton and is replacing the Zoning By-laws of the former municipalities.
The final phase of this project is focused on residential zones in the urban area. The purpose of this project is to create consistent residential zones across the entire Urban area of Hamilton that will expand the types of housing permitted, in providing greater housing options for residents.
Watch the videos to learn more about what creating more housing choice within our neighbourhoods means.
Reimagining Neighbourhoods through the Residential Zones Project.
Reimagining neighbourhoods and creating more housing choice within our neighbourhoods.
Reimagining Neighbourhoods and creating more housing choice along the edges of our neighbourhoods.
Residential Zones Phases
Phase 1 Low Density Residential Zones
Introduce three new Low Density Residential Zones to neighbourhoods
- Introduce the R1, R1a and R2 Low Density Residential Zones - 100% complete
- Apply the R1, R1a and R2 Zones to most low density residential properties - 75% complete
- Apply the R1, R1a and R2 Zones to the remaining 25% of low density residential properties
Phase 2 Mid Rise Residential Zones
Introduce two new Mid Rise Residential Zones, allowing denser uses on arterial roads
- Introduce Draft R3 and R3a Zones - 100% Complete
- Apply the R3 and R3a Zones to properties along arterial roads
Phase 3 High Rise Residential Zones
Introduce new High Rise Residential Zones
Providing Housing Choice in Hamilton
The zones in Hamilton’s neighbourhoods are also changing to allow for greater housing choice. These changes have been introduced in stages, increasing the housing choice in neighbourhoods through small-scale intensification.
Providing Housing Choice in Hamilton Timeline
- September 2018 - Laneway Housing Pilot Project
- May 2021 - Additional Dwelling Units and Detached Additional Dwelling Units permissions introduced
- August 2022 - Low Density Residential Zones. Expanded the residential uses permitted. Existing dwellings permitted to convert to contain up to four dwelling units.
- February 2024 - Introduced Triplexes and Fourplexes as permitted uses in Low Density Residential Zones in City-wide Zoning By-law 05-200
- February 2024 - Permitted Detached Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Rural Area
Next Steps
- Mid Rise Residential Zones - Introduce two new Mid Rise Residential Zones along major streets, permitting uses like townhouses and mid-rise buildings.
Project Phases
Contact Us
Residential Zones Project
For questions or to be adding to our mailing list
Residential Zones Project Team
Email reszoning@hamilton.ca
ADU/Detached ADU
Additional Dwelling Unit Team
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email aduteam@hamilton.ca
General Zoning
Planning Division
City Hall, 5th Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 2719
Email zoninginquiry@hamilton.ca
For Building Permit Questions
Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5117
Email aduteam@hamilton.ca